Nearly $17,000 awarded to support projects, programs benefiting Morgan County
McCONNELSVILLE, Ohio – The Morgan Community Fund (MCF), in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), has awarded eight grants, totaling $16,700, to support projects and programs benefiting the county’s residents and communities.
“We are honored and grateful to be investing our donors’ dollars into work that is enhancing the lives of our neighbors and uplifting communities throughout Morgan County,” said Kelsey Wells, MCF committee member. “These are immediate investments that will continue to have impact for years to come.”
Nonprofits, schools and public organizations serving Morgan County were invited to apply for grants to advance opportunities across five areas essential to flourishing communities: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Emphasis is on supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading projects and programs that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the collective potential within Morgan County.
Grants were awarded to:
- Building Bridges to Careers Inc. to allow 15 Morgan County students to attend the Discover Entrepreneurship Day at Marietta College’s BIG (Build, Innovate, Grow) Workshop
- Washington-Morgan Community Action to support the 2025 Summer Feeding Program, which will serve children ages 1-18 at three sites in Morgan County
- MoCo Kitty Kontrol to help fund the spaying and neutering of cats in Morgan County at the first public vet clinic in 2025
- Morgan Community Support and Solutions to fund internships for two Morgan High School students who will work with Morgan County Community for the Arts to complete a public art piece at the new McConnelsville Community Garden
- Morgan County Health Department to support the return of the Safety Town education program for Morgan County children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall
- Morgan Local Schools to support the Morgan South Care Team and its work to provide students at South Elementary School with hygiene items and food for long weekends and breaks
- Tabor Ridge Christian School to fund pre-K curriculum and playground supplies
In addition, MCF, with funding from FAO, awarded a grant to support a project developed and implemented by local youth under age 18. The goal of this funding is to inspire young people to embrace roles as changemakers committed to creating strong, vibrant communities. The Morgan High School FFA received funding for a project spearheaded by Ava Hinkle, president of the group, who is developing the “Shining Stars Stockshow,” an opportunity for individuals with special needs to participate in exhibiting an animal at the Morgan County Fair. Through this project, Ava and her fellow FFA members will work with the Morgan County Board of Developmental Disabilities and collaborate with community members with special needs, building stronger relationships within the community.
MCF, one of FAO’s 15 affiliate foundation partners, was established in 2008 to develop and grow permanent charitable resources that provide continuous investment in Morgan County and its nonprofits, schools and communities.
To learn more about MCF and how to support its work, email Morgan@ffao.org or call 740.753.1111.